A mosque in Rotterdam, Netherlands, was attacked late Thursday night when six individuals vandalized the Mevlana Mosque, according to the Islamic Foundation Netherlands (ISN). The attackers reportedly damaged a mosaic wall, threw beer bottles at the building, and urinated in front of it. Despite repeated calls from mosque authorities, police arrived only after the attackers had left the scene. In a statement issued Friday, ISN criticized the police for failing to respond promptly, saying officers did not consider the incident an immediate threat or emergency. The organization expressed concern that such assessments undermine the safety of worshippers and their right to practice religion without fear. It also noted that attacks targeting Muslims and mosques have been increasing, leaving congregants feeling unsafe. ISN confirmed that it has filed a formal criminal complaint and urged authorities to prioritize the investigation into the attack, citing deep concern over both the vandalism and the delayed police response.

U.S. President Donald Trump will not sign any agreement with Iran unless Tehran meets Washington’s core demands, according to a White House official cited by Al Jazeera. The statement followed a nearly two-hour meeting of the U.S.-Iran taskforce, where the official emphasized that Trump would only accept a deal beneficial to the United States and that no agreement would proceed if Iran failed to respect the U.S. red lines. An Israeli official told CNN there were concerns that Trump might agree to what was described as a poor interim deal with Iran. The official added that any acceptable agreement must include the removal of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. The report, sourced from Middle East Eye, highlights ongoing tensions surrounding potential U.S.-Iran negotiations and differing views among allies over the terms of any future agreement.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that no final agreement has been reached with the United States to end the ongoing war. He explained that several issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, remain unresolved. Baghaei confirmed that message exchanges between Tehran and Washington are continuing, but no conclusive understanding has been achieved so far. Speaking to state television on Friday, Baghaei emphasized that Iran is currently focused on ending the war rather than discussing details of its nuclear plans. He also asserted that no Western power can compel the Islamic Republic to act against its will, stressing that Iran makes decisions based on its national interests and rights. The comments, reported by Al Jazeera, highlight the ongoing diplomatic exchanges between Iran and the United States while underlining Tehran’s firm stance on sovereignty and independence in decision-making.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Tehran continues to exchange messages with Washington but has not reached any final agreement. Speaking on state television on Friday, he emphasized that no Western power can compel the Islamic Republic to take any action, asserting that Iran makes decisions based on its own national interests and rights. Baghaei’s remarks came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded the lifting of a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz via Truth Social. He described the blockade as illegal, saying it violated both the ceasefire that took effect on April 8 and the principle of freedom of international navigation. Baghaei added that a decision regarding an agreement would be made soon. He further noted that Iran would observe whether the other side keeps its promises or if their statements are merely rhetoric.

A federal appeals court in the United States has allowed Texas to implement a controversial state law granting local authorities the power to arrest and deport individuals suspected of entering the country illegally through the US-Mexico border. The New Orleans-based Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals issued the ruling on Friday, overturning a previous injunction imposed by a district judge in Austin on May 14. The earlier order had blocked the law following a lawsuit filed by civil rights groups. District Judge David Ezra had previously ruled that the Texas law unlawfully challenged the federal government’s exclusive authority over immigration and deportation. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed the injunction, leading to the appellate court’s decision to lift the block. The 2023 law, known as SB 4, allows state magistrates to order deportations and criminalizes reentry into Texas even with federal permission. Following the ruling, the American Civil Liberties Union, its Texas branch, and the Texas Civil Rights Project expressed disappointment and vowed to continue their legal fight against what they called an unlawful measure.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed the expansion of alternative trade corridors through the country’s northern ports and neighboring nations to ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential goods and medicines. The order, issued during a meeting on Friday, aims to bypass U.S. sanctions affecting maritime routes and to accelerate the import and distribution of critical items. The meeting, attended by Iran’s finance minister, central bank governor, and other officials, reviewed the latest situation regarding the supply and import of essential goods following restrictions on some southern entry points after the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. Participants emphasized strengthening logistics, trade, and economic diplomacy to maintain market stability and supply chains. Pezeshkian urged the use of capacities in Pakistan, Russia, and Azerbaijan for trade and called for faster implementation of related agreements. He also instructed the foreign ministry to enhance economic diplomacy to facilitate the purchase, transport, and clearance of vital goods and medicines, pledging to personally engage with neighboring and regional partners to remove obstacles.

More than 150 tourists who were stranded on Char Abdullah in the Meghna River at Ramgati, Lakshmipur, were rescued after five hours. The incident occurred on Friday evening when several engine boats carrying tourists went to the island for sightseeing. Soon after their arrival, a storm with heavy rain began, making the river turbulent and preventing their return. They were rescued around 12:30 a.m. and brought back to Alexander. According to local administration sources, the rescue operation was carried out by the police and river police after receiving reports of the stranded tourists. Ramgati Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nilufa Yasmin Nipa confirmed the rescue on Saturday morning, stating that all tourists had safely returned home. Ramgati Police Station Officer-in-Charge Liton Dewan said the tourists were brought back once the tide rose at night. The local administration expressed concern during the incident but confirmed that all individuals were rescued without harm and safely returned to their homes.

The first return flight of Bangladeshi pilgrims from Saudi Arabia arrived in Dhaka on Saturday morning, marking the beginning of the 2026 Hajj return phase. According to the report, 419 pilgrims landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Saudia Airlines flight around 10 a.m. They were welcomed with Zamzam water and flowers upon arrival. The flight departed from Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport at 12:10 a.m. local time. The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that the formal Hajj rituals concluded on Friday with the symbolic stoning at the three Jamarat. On the first day of return flights, a total of 5,434 pilgrims are expected to arrive in Bangladesh on 13 flights. The return operations will continue until July 1. This year, 79,164 Bangladeshi pilgrims, including management officials, traveled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. The ministry completed all logistical arrangements, including tent rentals, transportation contracts, housing, and visas, within the Saudi government’s timeframe. As a result, all registered pilgrims reached Saudi Arabia without any schedule disruptions. So far, 35 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died during this year’s Hajj.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States is fully capable of resuming war against Iran if necessary, citing a weapons stockpile exceeding current needs. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he emphasized that Washington is prepared to act should the situation demand it. Hegseth explained that the US maintains a balance between advanced and abundant weaponry, ensuring readiness for any potential conflict. He also declared that the era of subsidizing wealthy nations is over. During his remarks, he warned that domination of the Pacific region by any hegemonic power would disrupt the regional balance of power. He added that while discussions about a possible conflict with Iran have continued for months, the United States remains committed to maintaining a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced during his visit to India that New Delhi has pledged to purchase $500 billion worth of American goods over the next five years. The statement has sparked widespread discussion among global media, trade experts, and economic analysts, who are questioning what India has agreed to and whether it will benefit sufficiently from the deal. The commitment follows an interim trade agreement announced in February, when U.S. President Donald Trump reduced tariffs on Indian goods from 50 to 18 percent, and India expressed interest in increasing imports of U.S. energy, coal, and technology equipment. Analysts have raised concerns about the timing of such a large import plan, given recent changes in global trade conditions. After the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated some of Trump’s earlier tariff measures, Washington imposed a uniform 10 percent tariff on trade partners. Experts question why India is proceeding with such a massive purchase without securing further concessions and why it is limiting supplier options in sectors like aviation. The deal is viewed as politically sensitive and economically risky for India amid currency depreciation, high oil prices, and uncertain global trade. Additionally, concerns persist in India about U.S. tariff and immigration policies, as well as Washington’s warming ties with China and Pakistan, which analysts say could complicate India’s strategic and economic positioning.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam stated that there are no minorities or majorities in Bangladesh, emphasizing unity for national progress. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon at the bi-annual conference of the Upazila Puja Celebration Council in Kuliarchar, Kishoreganj, where he attended as the chief guest. The event, held at the Upazila Parishad auditorium under the chairmanship of Piyush Kanti Ghosh, was inaugurated by former president of the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council, Jitendra Lal Bhowmik. The minister noted that the current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has been in office for three months and ten days and has already begun implementing election pledges. Initiatives include providing allowances for imams, muezzins, and priests, as well as distributing family cards, with benefits expected to reach households nationwide in phases. Several local leaders and officials also spoke at the event, including former BSS managing editor Manoj Kanti Roy and local BNP representatives.

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s proposed $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which was intended to compensate individuals claiming to be victims of political misuse of government power. The order, issued by Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia, suspends all fund-related activities for at least two weeks. A hearing on whether to extend the suspension is scheduled for June 12. The fund was created as part of a settlement in a case involving the Internal Revenue Service and former President Donald Trump’s tax disclosures. It has faced multiple lawsuits, including one by the legal advocacy group Democracy Forward, which argues the fund lacks legal basis and accountability. Other suits were filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and two Capitol Hill police officers. Republican lawmakers have also questioned the eligibility criteria, particularly whether January 6 rioters could claim compensation. The U.S. Department of Justice maintains confidence in the fund’s legality, while the White House has declined to comment. No funds have yet been distributed or claims accepted.

Concrete debris hidden under sand and seawater at Kuakata beach in Patuakhali has become a major safety concern for tourists. The hazardous remnants, including broken pillars, guide walls, and rusted rods, are mainly concentrated around the Zero Point area, where thousands of visitors bathe daily. Locals report that despite repeated accidents, the beach management committee and relevant authorities have not taken visible measures such as installing warning signs or clearing the debris. The concrete structures originated from facilities destroyed by cyclones Sidr in 2007 and Aila in 2009, including an LGED bungalow, public toilets, and park installations. These remnants now lie submerged or scattered across the beach, posing hidden dangers during high tide. A fatal accident occurred about a year and a half ago when a tourist was struck by submerged concrete. Local visitors and business owners have urged immediate safety measures, while Kuakata municipal administrator Md. Yasin Sadek stated that risky areas will be marked and warning signs installed to ensure tourist safety.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for military operations in the Middle East, has stated that American forces remain present and alert throughout the region. The announcement was made through a post on social media platform X, where the command shared an image related to its ongoing operations. According to CENTCOM, the shared image shows an F-16 fighter jet flying over Middle Eastern airspace while on patrol. The post underscores continued US military vigilance in the area, though no additional operational details were provided in the statement. The information was reported by Al Jazeera, and the CENTCOM post reflects ongoing monitoring and readiness activities by US forces in the region.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the era of providing subsidies from the United States to wealthy nations has ended. He made the statement on Saturday while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Hegseth warned that if the Pacific region falls under the control of any hegemonic power, it would disrupt the regional balance of power. He added that despite months of discussions about a possible war with Iran, the United States remains committed to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Hegseth also said that under President Donald Trump, relations between the United States and China have improved compared to previous years. He noted that the US is holding more frequent meetings with Chinese counterparts while keeping military communication channels open. Hegseth emphasized that the United States insists China must respect its long-standing presence in the region, underscoring Washington’s strategic focus on stability and openness in the Indo-Pacific.